50 years
From The Daily Journal, Aug. 31 – Sept. 6 1958
Bids awarded on hospital geriatric wing
- Construction of the geriatric activation wing at the Fergus Falls State Hospital is expected to start shortly. Contracts awarded yesterday in St. Paul called for completion in 90 days. The building will fill in the gap between the men’s and women’s geriatric wards and will provide space for occupational therapy and recreation. The building will be named in honor of Dr. W. L. Patterson, superintendent of the hospital.
Library board presents plan for expansion
- The library board was authorized to spend about $900 on plans for an addition to the library building. Cost of a proposed addition plus equipment and remodeling is estimated at $75,000. Elsie Grina, librarian and trustee told the council of their study concerning expansion needs. The present building has served with few changes since it was built in 1905.
Last harness shop in Fergus Falls closes
- Aug. 30 marked the passing of the closing of the William Rust Harness Shop on Mill Street-the last harness shop in this city. The Wm. Rust Harness shop is now being moved to the farm of Henry Rust, William’s brother, on the northern border of the city on the Poor Farm Road. There he will continue to operate it. L. C. Nelson and J. C. Knoff founded the firm in 1881.
From The Daily Journal, August 24 – August 30 1958
Workshop begins for teachers
- Present for the annual workshop were 128 teachers with 19 of them joining the staff for the first time. A staff of 160 including maintenance and cafeteria workers will serve some 3,000 students. Supt. L. E. Wermager opened the session. He reminded teachers of the challenges to American education and pointed to the confidence Russia places on education in their efforts for world supremacy.
Norby’s department store expanding
- The Norby Department store has acquired the adjoining Schei building, and expansion program is already underway, Loren M. Norby, general manager, announced today. Norby’s will expand to the second floor of the Schei building. For some time the Schei building has housed Norby’s Fashion shop on the ground floor and housewares and gifts in the downstairs store. The departments have been connected to the other building by archways. The second floor has been occupied by apartments.
Largest county fair
- While there have been many excellent fairs in this area, “The Fair” here means one thing — big county. The fair is now in full blast at the Otter Tail County fairgrounds in this city. It is the largest fair in Minnesota outside the Minnesota state exposition.
From The Daily Journal, August 17 - August 23 1958
Rural-urban women enjoy field trip
Ideal weather greeted the Rural-Urban tour sponsored by the Otter Tail County Farm Bureau Womens Committee. Places visited on the tour were the French Alfalfa Dehydrating, Inc.
Plant, the beautiful flower gardens on the Palmer Haarstad farm in Aastad, The Orwell Dam project, and the lovely home and diary farm of Mr. and Mrs. Merle Loomer.
Former Fergus men record Norse Songs
Two former Fergus Falls' men have become recording artists. Russell Lillemoen, son of Ralph Lillemoen of this city, and Norman Mjaseth play Norwegian folk songs with a native of Norway and a young woman.
They call themselves the Nordic Stars and have performed a number of times over a Sacramento, Calif. radio.
Court House flowers are tourist attraction
Beautiful flowerbeds on the courthouse lawn near Court Street rate high as tourist attractions in Fergus Falls this summer.
Many motorists stop to take pictures of the floral displays. Since the sprinkling ban went into effect one of the prisoners in the county jail has spent a number of night hours watering the flowers.
From The Daily Journal, Aug. 10 - Aug. 16 1958
50 graduates of 1933 here for reunion
The class of 1933 held its first reunion in 25 years Saturday evening at the River Inn. Fifty graduates were among the 93 who attended. Henry Winther, master of ceremonies, recalled events of 1933. Ervin Adler, who is a warrant officer at Fort Knox, Ky., came the greatest distance.
Baldwin Hanson of rural Battle Lake won a prize for having the most children. He is the father of nine. Richard Hubbard of Fergus Falls won a prize for being the baldest. Wilma Denbrook, now Mrs. Bill Johnson, and Solveig Henrikson, now Mrs. Leonard Christopherson, were recognized for their efforts in arranging for the reunion.
Band students attend clinic
Nineteen Fergus Falls High School band members participated last week in the Bemidji Band Clinic. The Clinic brought together 474 players from 109 cities in seven states. These 474 students were divided into three bands and the top 111 musicians made up the Honor Band.
Six players form Fergus Falls received this special recognition: Madelyn Preus, Shirley Doble, Karen Johnson, Judy Miller, James Worner and Arlene Lunde. Edina was the only city having more representatives in the Honor Band and Grand Forks, N.D., the only city having as many as Fergus Falls.
From The Daily Journal, Aug. 3 - Aug. 9 1958
Vandals cause problems at Pebble Lake
Alderman last night suggested to Park Superintendent A. T. Van Dyk that firewood be provided for picnickers at Pebble Lake. Van Dyk said he will try leaving wood there, but he gave up the practice about five years ago.
When wood was left there then, he said it quickly disappeared in big bonfires late at night. Vandalism, he said, is a real problem at the city’s recreation area.
Gasoline war in Moorhead and Fargo
Gasoline prices have dropped sharply in Fargo and Moorhead. Stations representing major oil companies and some of the independent stations began charging 26.4 cents a gallon for regular gasoline.
Those stations had been selling regular for 32.9. Cut-rate stations were as low as 24.9 for regular. Some station owners said they believed one of the causes of the price reduction was in protest to some stations taking on trading stamps.
That reason has been given in the past for similar slashing of gasoline prices in Fargo and Moorhead.
Sprinkling banned
- Water pressure in Fergus Falls continues to be a problem. The utilities commission has again decided to ban all sprinkling until 9 p.m. After requesting that residents sprinkle on alternate days the pumping station yesterday reached a new peak for the summer of 2,465,025 gallons.
From The Daily Journal, July 27- August 2 1958
Red River cart arrives in Fergus Falls
- Delmar Hagen, his ox Napoleon and his Red River cart reached Fergus Falls today, more than half way on his trek from Pembina to St. Paul. Hagen is re-enacting the oxcart trek as a Centennial event. He will be in the N. P. Park until Thursday evening or Friday morning. Hagen stopped near the state hospital this morning where he prepared his breakfast. He left the Eddie Gronseth farm east of Carlisle last evening after putting new shoes on the ox.
Phone increase is rapid here
- A series of projects recently completed by Northwestern Bell Telephone Company amounting to $54,000 will provide additional facilities for local and long distance calling, Paul Riviere, local manager, said today. The work included building an addition to the main telephone building and installing long distance switchboard equipment and additional dial switching apparatus.
Lorne Bluhm named Junior High principal
- The Fergus Falls school board has hired a junior high principal and an assistant administrator. Lorne Bluhm 33, of Blooming Prairie was elected junior high principal to succeed Miss Allie V. Mitchell who has retired. Vernon H. Sprague was hired for one year as assistant administrator in charge of buildings and grounds.
From The Daily Journal, July 20 - 26 1958
Bank makes way for drive-in service
Coming down to make way for a drive-in at the Fergus Falls National Bank are two additions at the rear of the bank building. John Dieseth Company started biting into the structure today with a power shovel on Court Street.
In a few months customers of the bank will be able to do their banking from an automobile.
Victor Lundeen and company are putting up a three-story addition at the rear of their building, which adjoins the bank property by a common wall. Eian and Ness are contractors for both projects.
Spraying for mosquitoes resumes
Backyard mosquitoes are slated for slaughter starting tonight. The city utilities department will begin in the third ward operating the spray equipment in alleys and in driveways where there are no alleys.
The city has been covered once by a DDT solution with the sprayer operating on the streets. The follow-up beginning tonight will be slower but more thorough, according to Howard Sowden, utilities superintendent.
Improvements begin for county fair
- Improvements, including a new building, repairs, equipment, grading and sodding on the Otter Tail County Fair Grounds, totaling approximately $25,000 are progressing rapidly, according to Knute Hanson, Secretary of the Otter Tail Fair Association.
From The Daily Journal, July 13 - 19 1958
New Hoot Lake power plant will go on line in 1959
The new $11,000,000 power plant that is now being built at Hoot Lake should begin to furnish current in the autumn of next year. This will be one of the plants on the Otter Tail Power Company’s tri-state system.
The plant is beautifully situated in a bend in the river in the extreme eastern part of the city. The river cuts through a long chain of hills in that area, and the scenery is equal to some of that on the famed Hudson in New York.
The plant was built originally as a water power plant, the river being brought over the hill with a 70-foot drop there.
That waterpower is still in use, but the system has long since outgrown it, and water now furnishes only a very small part of the power for the company’s electrical output.
The plant will be the largest plant in the United States powered by North Dakota lignite coal. The plant will consume 100 tons of coal a day.
Fishing derby
- One hundred and twenty seven boys and girls competed in the fourth annual Tot and Teen fishing derby at Pebble Lake Wednesday afternoon. The event is sponsored as part of the city summer recreation program. Top prizes for the largest fish went to Gregory Peterson, Fergus Falls for his bluegill, and to Marcia Hermes, also of Fergus, for her perch in the girls’ division.
From The Daily Journal, July 6- July 12 1958
Towns object to N.P. train’s discontinuance
A Railroad and Warehouse Commission hearing on discontinuance of Northern Pacific passenger trains between Staples and Oakes opened in Fergus Falls this morning.
The branch line serves seven stations in Minnesota and eleven in North Dakota. The train is a 75-foot unit built in 1929, containing baggage and mail compartments and 32 seats for passengers.
Mail and express business on the branch line which runs through Fergus Falls may have to use truck lines, star route operators and freight crews if rail is discontinued. The railroad seeks to discontinue the train because the expense of providing service far exceeds revenues earned.
Landmark gone
The village blacksmith is no more at Perham. Recently the Schmidt building, where the Schmidt family had served the community for sixty-seven years, was sold.
Blacksmithing had been the family business since 1891 at Perham. Henry Schmidt came to Perham in 1890 from Germany and worked in Henry Tiegen’s blacksmith shop until 1891 when he bought the shop.
Free bus runs to Pebble Lake
- Edwin Steussy is arranging to run a free bus to Pebble Lake. The bus will run six days a week, beginning Monday. Children should note the hours of starting and be on hand if they want to go to the lake playgrounds. Return trips will start at 4:30.
From The Daily Journal, June 29- July 5 1958
Centennial train exhibit opens here
The Minnesota Centennial train opened a two-day exhibit in Fergus Falls today following a brief ceremony where the train is parked on the state hospital spur. H. E. Swenson, Centennial chairman was master of ceremonies. C. C. Scheuble, Centennial train director, spoke briefly.
Legislators, county commissioners and Mayor Vernon Sprague were introduced.Fergus Falls is the 55th stop for the train that began its tour in April.
Since then 370,000 people have toured the train.
Up to 7,000 have gone through the six exhibit cars in one day.
Dunvilla hard hit by storm
Dunvilla, north of Pelican Rapids, was hard hit by Monday’s storm. At least fifty of the beautiful trees at Dunn’s Lodge were blown down, roofs of some of the cottages were damaged by hail, and the fine gardens and fields were also hard hit.
Mr. Dunn was in Fergus Falls Tuesday and reports that a crew of fifteen men worked, trying to restore the grounds to a semblance of their former beauty.
Dunvilla is always one of the beauty spots of Otter Tail County in the summer time, and the storm hits them just at the beginning of the summer season.
From The Daily Journal, June 22-28 1958
Hospital benefit ball a success
Four hundred people from Fergus Falls and the surrounding community who attended the hospital benefit ball at the National Guard Armory Friday evening were greeted to an indoor garden setting of enchanting beauty.
Sponsored by the Jaycees the ball exceeded all expectations for an enjoyable evening and comments on the decoration ranged from “wonderful” to “fabulous.”
As a result of the benefit ball a check for $2,500 was presented to Archie Erickson, hospital board member, by E. V. O’Meara Jr., on behalf of the Fergus Falls Jaycees.
Blast wrecks building at sewage plant
Howard Sowden, utilities superintendent, said the building and equipment were a total loss.
Automatic controls, installed new last year, apparently failed when a pilot light burned out. Gas built up and exploded.
The brick building located near Pisgah dam was about 10 by 20 feet in size.
Loss was estimated at $15,000.
Sowden said the whole structure would have to be rebuilt.
From The Daily Journal, June 15-21 1958
Citizens are told about big highway
- A capacity house attended the meeting called by the Chamber of Commerce at the River Inn, to discuss the new Super-Highway, as it will affect this immediate area, many farmers being among those in attendance. When built, it will be a broad double highway, traffic moving northward on one and southward on the other. The whole road will be paved, and will be fenced to keep cattle, children and some grown people off, as the engineer half humorously explained. The Federal government will pay 90 percent and 10 per cent by state for the new highway.
Miss Tweten files for Senate
- Geneva Tweten filed as a candidate for the state senate from Otter Tail County. She opposes Henry Nycklemoe who has filed for re-election. Miss Tweten has been a candidate for the House of Representatives several times. This is the first time she has filed for the senate.
Roller rink to be rebuilt
- The county fair board hopes to have the roller skating rink replaced before fair time. A steel building on a concrete foundation is planned. It will include toilet and dressing room facilities and will be large enough for roller-skating. The old building was destroyed by fire May 21.
From The Daily Journal, June 8-14 1958
Hospital dedication scheduled
Completion of the Lake Region Hospital construction program will be highlighted in the next few weeks by a number of summer activities in Fergus Falls. Dedicatory services and a scientific meeting are scheduled for June 28. There will be an open house at the Hospital on June 28 and 29. Expansion and modernization of the hospital started three years ago.
The hospital was formed when the city’s two hospitals merged seven years ago. The cost of construction was $1,245,000.
Dr. Patterson gives talk to Kiwanis
Dr. Patterson reviewed the great strides of the State Hospital, which have been made here in the past eight years to preserve and expand the physical plant and to vitalize the treatment of patients.
The repairs, which saved the main building here, included a new roof in 1950, and rebuilding of the main kitchen and dining room.
The ventilation system has been modernized this fall, and work will begin on the replacement of the 1,000 windows in the main building. Obsolete wiring and water pipes have been replaced.
From The Daily Journal June 1-7 1958
Church burns near Melby
- The Christine Lake Lutheran church a mile east of Melby was destroyed by fire early today after lightning struck the tower. Fragments of the tower flew in all directions from the crash. The church was a landmark for years. The congregation is 87 years old. Rev. Kronberg started the Lund academy, which developed into Northwestern College at Fergus Falls in 1890, at Christine Lake.
Shrine Circus in the city
- The Masonic order is to sponsor a “Shrine Circus” July 8 and 9. Proceeds will be going to the support of the crippled children, which the order has long sponsored as a public benefit. This year the Clyde Bros. Circus has been secured. This all-new circus will be here for the first time. There will be lions and tiger acts, liberty horses, pony acts, balancing acts trained dogs, cycling acts a chimpanzee act, clowns, camels, llamas and trapeze, high wire and flying acts, baby elephants.
Zenner gives talk to Rotary
- Manager M. O. Zenner speaks to the Rotary Club about the Fergus Casket Works that has been in business since 1897. The origin and operations of the business were reviewed in a talk before the Rotary club Wednesday.
From The Daily Journal May 25-31 1958
Casket firm in business since 1987
Manager M. O. Zenner speaks to the Rotary Club about the casket business. The origin and operations of the Fergus Casket Works were reviewed in a talk before the Rotary club Wednesday. Operations have been continuous except for any break that may have occurred in the wake of a fire that destroyed the original plant in 1902.
Operations began in the new building in 1904. Company operations extend over four states, Zenner said. Territory included is the northern half of Minnesota, North and South Dakota and Eastern Montana.
Fire demolishes roller skating rink
A spectacular fire destroyed the roller skating rink at the Otter Tail county fairgrounds dearly this morning. The building was a total loss. Also destroyed were hundreds of pairs of roller skates.
The structure 70-by-132 feet in size was built some years ago and enlarged as a WPA project in 1936. It was used for dances and roller-skating since it was built.
Otters win Resort Region
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Fergus Falls won the Resort Region conference baseball championship from defending champions Moorhead in a nine -inning overtime game, 4-3, at the Fairgrounds diamond Monday.
From The Daily Journal May18-24 1958
Augustana Church plans new edifice
The Augustana Lutheran church of Fergus Falls, at a special meeting of the congregation, May 20, voted with an overwhelming majority to approve the purchase of lots in the Lakeland Addition in the southeast part of the city as a future building site. The site is in Block 19, west of Lake Charles.
No further plans have been made as to when building will begin or what type of structure will be built. The time of actual construction will depend on satisfactory disposition of the present property at Mill and Washington.
New clinic to open here
- Two physicians will locate in Fergus Falls July 1 when they will open the Fergus Falls Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat clinic in the Bjerke-Edlund building. Dr. Richard A. Ness, an ophthalmologist, will be the eye specialist. Dr. Shen-en-Lu will be the ear, nose and throat specialist. Dr. Harold Nirschl, a chiropodist, Dr. B. H. Gervais, a dentist, and Basil’s Beauty Salon already are located in the Bjerke-Edlund building on Washington near Mill.
Dairy Day planned
- Plans for Lake Region Dairy Day in Fergus Falls June 25 are taking final shape. Dairymen and county agents from 11 counties met last night. Over 300 animals will be exhibited by 4-H and FFA members.
From The Daily Journal May 4-10 1958
Kimber buys Vore building
Mel Kimber has purchased from R. J. Hyslop the building originally known as Vore’s Garage at 310 West Lincoln. He plans to move his business there before the first of July. The Fergus Oil Company has rented the building recently. Previously Dudgeon-Hultman Motor Company occupied it.
The Kimber Awning Company has been in business at 215 West Lincoln. Kimber will continue to supply canvas and aluminum awnings, aluminum windows and ornamental iron works.
City to buy aerial maps
The City Council approved a project of aerial photo mapping of the city. The photographs will cost from $700 to $1,000. Mark Hurd Aerial Surveys Inc. of Minneapolis will do the work.
The mapping will be done for much less than proposed by other firms since the company is working in the area for the state highway department.
Dieseth Co. awarded city street job
- The John Dieseth Company was awarded a contract of $153,447.76 by the City Council. The Fergus Falls company was the low bidder for street and storm sewer construction in the city this year.
From The Daily Journal, April 27 - May 3 1958
Fire Hall and Liquor Store in one building
- The village of Battle Lake is negotiating the purchase of the A. T. Herfindahl produce building to be used as a Municipal Liquor Store and Fire Hall. The building will be remodeled and the fire hall will occupy one section, while the liquor store will be housed in another part of the building. Mr. Herfindahl is discontinuing his produce business and devoting all his time to the operation of the 78 Club near Otter Tail Lake. The 78 Club was formerly known as the Glass Bar. The 78 Club derives its name from its location on Highway 78.
New building dedicated at State Hospital
- A new activation wing between the geriatric buildings at the state hospital was dedicated yesterday in a ceremony following the procession for Dr. Patterson day. Chester G. Rosengren was master of ceremonies, and Fr. Thomas Coleman gave the invocation. Morris Hursh, commissioner and the department of public welfare, spoke and Dr. Patterson broke the ground for the building. Cyrus Field presented a plaque from the citizens of Fergus Falls.
From The Daily Journal, April 20-26 1958
Mauk Jewelry burglarized
- A display window was smashed at Mauk’s Jewelry during the night, and about 30 watches valued at $2,500 were stolen. City police are investigating the case, the first jewelry store burglary in a number of years. It was the most daring burglary since the Super Valu safe was blown in 1956, and $1,800 was stolen.
State gas tax is 33 years old
The gasoline tax in Minnesota will pass its 33rd birthday May 1, but the day will not be marked by any celebrating —only the spinning of pump meters continuing to roll up tax revenues in this state at the rate of $1 million every four and one-half days.
It was May 1, 1925, when Minnesota motorists first began paying a tax on gasoline.
First contribution for Sheltered Workshop:
- The first contribution towards a Sheltered Workshop was deposited in the bank today. This gift, from the local Mrs. Jaycees, represents a dream that is growing into a reality. Many organizations in our city have expressed an interest in local retarded youngsters’ future. A Sheltered Workshop will fill their need.
From The Daily Journal, April 13-19 1958
Mayor proclaims law day in Fergus Falls
- Law Day U. S. A. will be celebrated May 1 for the first time. The date has been proclaimed by President Eisenhower and has been endorsed by the American Bar Association. Mayor Vernon H. Sprague has proclaimed Law Day U. S. A. in Fergus Falls and has called upon all citizens and organizations and schools to recognize the special day and to join in its observance. Purpose of the day is two-fold: to strengthen the nation’s dedication to the rule of law as the foundation of society, and to freshen every American citizen’s awareness of the rights and privileges he enjoys by reason of laws and courts.
West Central Airways buys new planes
- West Central Airways has acquired two new planes, a four place Tripacer and a Super cub. They were flown here last week from the Piper Aircraft factory at Lockhaven, PA. Accompanying Joe Devorak to Pennsylvania were Ronald Nelson of Elbow Lake, Orville Sorum of Pelican Rapids and Oscar Ness of Lisbon, N. D. Ness flew back in his own new plane; Nelson and Sorum flew West Central’s new planes.
From The Daily Journal, April 6-12 1958
City plans to acquire old brewery
The city of Fergus Falls hopes to acquire the brewery property for park and recreation purposes. The property now is owned by the state since taxes were delinquent for several years.
Acquisition of the property was recommended by the city’s park commission.
Improvement of the ship, built as a recreation hall, probably would be the first priority. Park commissioner see tremendous possibilities for property along the river.
Step taken to rezone Packing Plant area
- An ordinance rezoning the southwest corner of the 3rd ward to restricted industrial use was introduced at the council meeting. It was given a first reading last night. Any changes planned in the area will be subject to approval by a five-sevenths vote of the council. City Engineer E. F. Hensch said the city was zoned in 1935. Since then areas have been added including special restricted industrial zones.
Dalton Bank 50 years old
- The First State Bank of Dalton was organized on April 6, 1908. The Bank was started in an old frame building which had been run as a private bank up to this time by O. I. Brandvold. Mr. Brandvold served as cashier until about 1914. In 1914 a new brick building was erected. This new building was erected by J. P. Johnson, Contractor of Fergus Falls.
Vicky Anderson is the Research Assistant at the Otter Tail County Historical Society.